Conceicao comments on changing ‘behaviours’, individual ‘mistakes’ and withdrawing Musah | OneFootball

AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceicao has claimed responsibility for what he deemed to be a bad opening 25 minutes against Fiorentina, eventually ending in a 2-2 draw.

As they so often have since the Portuguese took charge, Milan dug themselves a massive hole in the first half. A Malick Thiaw own-goal gave the away team the perfect start, one which got even better when Moise Kean volleyed home a second from close range.

Yet, continuing another theme from Conceicao’s fourth-month tenure, the Rossoneri got back up off the canvas when they seemed down. Tammy Abraham halved the deficit with his second goal in two games, then Luka Jovic levelled in the second half.

Either team could have won it in a wide open conclusion but in the end had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Conceicao spoke to Sky and DAZN after the full-time whistle to give his thoughts, which were transcribed by MilanNews24.

There were more mistakes at the back…

“There are some individual mistakes but not only in defence. There are some behaviours that we are trying to improve, that we are working on. There was a goal like that in Naples too.

“Up front we also waste too many opportunities. The first 20-25 minutes did not go as we wanted, but the person responsible is me, as I am the coach.”

Then, some positive signals…

“This is the third game in six days and the team gave me a signal. Against Inter for 90 minutes and more we were balanced. Quality is a set of characteristics that players must have, you also need the right personality to enter the game.”

You brought Musah off in the first half…

“He did very well in training, there was no reason not to play. I understood later that he wasn’t in the game, but it happens, there are games that go like this.”

How do you judge Theo’s performance?

“At an offensive level, we all recognise his great qualities, he manages to create difficulties for the opponents. Like all full-backs, with a five-man defence he would be more protected. Against Inter, for example, we had a fifth man who defended.”